Maureen developed her line of books using the
"Simply" concept in 1997 with Simply
Remembered. After using many books as she
learned to play Appalachian dulcimer, Maureen
decided her books would be written 'Simply,' using
one tuning. A capo may be needed sometimes. But the
'Simply' concept alerts buyers and players that no
retuning will be necessary. Since 1997 Maureen has
written seven more books relying on the word
'Simply' to assure players that they were buying
another great book of songs and tunes.

All workshops will be taught in D-A-D tuning unless a different tuning is
requested. Beginner Level-Basic strum, tune and mnemonics to help students
learn the rudiments of timing painlessly.

Novice Level- Just beyond Beginners Level. Participants already know how to
tune and play a couple of songs. In Novice Level students learn to play chords,
some more songs and start on some fiddle tunes. Sing along songs are included
too.

Intermediate Level- Students are exposed to hammer-on, pull-offs, slides, fingerpicking, flatpicking, arpeggios and learn to play by ear.

Advanced Level- Students learn how to arrange music. Also are exposed to
Ensemble work and how to present a successful program. All levels include some
history and the culture of the dulcimer and the songs that are taught. Gospel
Songs-All levels from Novice and up. Foot-tappin' songs!

Hymns-All levels from Novice and up. Beautiful hymns presented with several
verses.

Civil War Songs from my book Songs of the Civil War. Novice and up. Playing
Smoothly and With Confidence-All levels from Novice and up. Tips and secrets to
playing to your potential.

Performance Helps and Techniques-Slaying the Stage Fright Dragon and how to put
together a great set. Also how to get jobs.

Add Some Speed to Your Playing- Novice Level and Up. Using effective fingerings
for speed. Also discuss actual physical helps to better playing.

Singing and Playing- Novice Level and Up. Come see how easy it can be to sing
and play. Using three basic chords, you can back yourself up to play lots of
songs!

Learn To Play By Ear! - Yes, you can! In one workshop students learn basic
concept of playing by ear. Paper and pencils needed! We'll have a song by the
end of class.

Flatpicking and/or Fingerpicking- Basic technique of both styles of playing.

Fills and Other Fancy Doo-dads- Learn how and when to add arpeggios to the
songs you already play. Working on lead-ins and tags, slides, hammers and pulls
to make a cool sound.

Contemporary Songwriters Music-Lovely new tunes written by folks in the
dulcimer world. Used by permission.

Capo Work-Proper use and placement of a capo. How and why it is used.

Ensemble Playing-Novice level and up. A part for every level player. One song
in several parts. How to add zip to a song by the use of all parts of the
fretboard.

Playing Backup-Novice and up. Players learn how to play some place other than
the melody when playing with others. Chord work to the max!

The Art of Jamming-How to "know" all the tunes that are played. How to know
what key 'they' play in. Knowing when to join in. Includes Cheatin' Off the
Guitar Player.

Beginnings, Middles and Endings-Using one tune, learn how to vary the song for
playing several times.

Writing Your Own Tablature-ls the one song you really want to play copyrighted?
Come learn how to make tablature for a song for your own enjoyment. Two "Cheat
Sheets" make it easy!

Song. and Ballads From Smithville, TN, Neosho, MO and other places- Bal- lads,
hymns, gospel and more from old books, recordings and field trips.

Polishing A Song-Using a tune you already know, polish it with some extra
attention. Learning to play with conviction, dynamics and pleasure.

Chords-Wow! This is where it all 'is at!' Learn chords all over the fretboard.
Learn to recognize the chord name by its shape.

Basic Playing Tips and Other Stuff I Learned the Hard Way- When to replace
strings. How to take care of the instrument. Playing in hot, humid weather.
String gauges and how to put on new strings. Type and weight of pick to use.
Playing with a noter. Use tape and pencils for a different percussive sound.
Dampening the strings. Lots of fun stuff to try. Beginners and up.

Playing With Others For Paid or Non-Paid Gigs- Things to consider: How much to
charge, what to play, how to be seated in a group, how many times to play a
song, putting to gether a hot set list, how to mic your performance, and much
more.